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Nature As Medicine

Give me some time to play in the dirt, dip in the creek, climb the hill, or ride an ocean wave and I’ll be okay.

Nature has always been my haven and my healing balm. I go to her when I’m weary and frayed by the woes of the world. I go to her to re-enchant my sense of wonder and refresh my sanity. I go to her to deepen my faith and rekindle my spirit.

Not chasing the news or endlessly checking my emails, not allowing myself to be swept up into anyone else’s drama or being drawn into chronic despair, is freeing so much positive energy in my life! I find myself creating more, caring more, sleeping better, loving more deeply, and being profoundly grateful for all the tiny joys in my life.

I start my days in the garden, marveling at the bees and birds and budding flowers. I find every opportunity to be outside playing. I love our camping adventures and time spent by the campfire under the dazzling stars. I love quiet. And stillness. And breathing deep.

I’m an old hippie girl…barefoot and sun-dappled…a wreath of wildflowers in my hair…who has become an earth elder…an aged and seasoned gray haired crone devoted to taking care of Mother Earth.

I join the ranks of my heroines…

Rachel Carson

Tasha Tudor

Georgia O’Keeffe

Dian Fossey

Temple Grandin

Jane Goodall

Alice Walker

Joy Harjo

Buffy Saint-Marie

and, most especially,

Wangari Maathai

in caring about the planet and putting my energy out there to uplift and celebrate others who join me in this work.

There are so many important causes to throw our energy into…and I am so pleased that our Creative Cottage tribe is actively participating in a huge variety of good works and consciousness raising activities about health care, children’s rights, immigration, and gun control.

I care deeply about all of these issues as well but, as an elder tribeswoman, one of my most important passions is being a nature steward, an earth tender, a voice for Mother Earth. I take this pledge every day…

My work is to help protect and preserve our precious planet, to be an informed citizen, to share my concerns about global warming and the poisoning of our water, food, & air.

My work is to keep my heart healthy so I can continue to be an earth warrior.

My work is finding common ground, discovering ways we can agree, energizing people to feel they can make a difference, and reminding people they have the right (and responsibility) to raise their voices and insist on common decencies.